Tourism News
Thailand tourism news, travel updates, visa policies, and destination highlights—stay informed on hospitality trends, cultural experiences, and major infrastructure projects. Get the latest from The Thaiger, your trusted source for Thailand travel news.
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Sponsored Long-term life in Thailand? 5 reasons private health insurance pays off in the long run
Thailand is a great place for expats and retirees, offering a warm climate, affordable living, and rich culture. However, healthcare can be tricky for foreigners since they aren’t eligible for public health coverage, and private care can be expensive. Private...
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Casino kingpins eye Thailand: Melco’s big gamble on Bangkok
Macau gambling giant Melco Resorts & Entertainment is rolling the dice on Thailand, as they devise plans to dive headfirst into the country’s booming tourism scene and cultural tapestry. With whispers of legalised gambling on the horizon, this move could be a jackpot for the casino giants. At the helm, Lawrence Ho, Melco Chairman and CEO, is singing the praises…
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Thai tourism faces 20% drop in Chinese visitors amid safety fears
The Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA) anticipates a potential 10 to 20% decline in Chinese tourists during the upcoming Lunar New Year, attributed to reduced safety confidence. This follows an incident involving a Chinese actor who fell victim to a human trafficking gang using Thailand as a gateway. ATTA President Sisdivachr Cheewarattanaporn indicated that the impact could be minimal…
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Sand wars settled: Kata Noi Beach reclaims its shores
The sandy battle for Kata Noi Beach appears to be over, with beachgoers celebrating their newfound space. What was once a sprawling battlefield of beach chair vendors has been transformed into a haven for snorkellers and sunbathers alike. One local reported that the long-standing “sand grab” has been resolved, with clear and accessible spaces now available along the beach. “I…
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Thailand airports boost biometrics for faster service times
The Airports of Thailand (AoT) is enhancing its biometric identification systems to expedite service times at airports. Yesterday, January 8, AoT Director Kerati Kijmanawat confirmed that this system has been implemented at six major international airports managed by AoT, including Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Mae Fah Luang Chiang Rai, and Hat Yai. However, the system currently does not…
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Blackpink’s Lisa brings the Thai par-TEA to the US
Pop sensation Lalisa Manoban, better known as Lisa from Blackpink has done it again, proving she’s the ultimate soft power queen by taking Thai tea globally. From promoting Thailand’s iconic meatballs to elevating fried egg rice, Lisa is now bringing the nation’s beloved iced tea to the world stage in a way no one saw coming. Lisa unveiled her latest…
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Thai airports get safety and check-in boost as travellers rise by 14%
The Transport Ministry has instructed the Department of Airports (DoA) to enhance measures in support of travellers following more than 14% rise in passenger numbers over the new year period. Deputy Minister Manaporn Charoensri announced yesterday, January 7, that from December 27 to January 2, the DoA recorded 319,275 passengers, reflecting a 14.12% increase compared to the previous year. The…
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Thailand tourism China-ing bright with visitor boom
Hold onto your tuk tuks, folks, Thailand’s tourism scene is making a triumphant comeback, with Chinese travellers leading the charge of foreign visitors. Thanks to more lenient visa rules, and especially to Thailand’s Chinese friends, the Land of Smiles is grinning wider than ever. The South China Morning Post reported that an impressive 35.5 million international jet-setters flocked to Thailand…
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CNY spending boom: Thailand poised for festive cash splash
Thailand’s economy is set to light up like a firecracker this Chinese New Year, with spending forecast to rise by over 3%, according to the Economic and Business Forecasting Centre at the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce. Buoyed by a recovering economy, government cash injections, and a surge of Chinese tourists, the festival promises to spark a celebratory…
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Thai AirAsia crowned Thailand’s punctuality king – again
Thai AirAsia has soared above the competition once more, retaining its title as Thailand’s most on-time airline and securing fifth place in Cirium’s prestigious list of top 10 on-time airlines in the Asia-Pacific region. With a punctuality rate of 77.46%, it’s the only Thai carrier to earn a spot in the rankings. CEO Santisuk Klongchaiya hailed the achievement as a…
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Kayak accidents near Koh Chang highlight tourist safety concerns
Two separate kayak accidents occurred near Koh Chang yesterday rompting swift action from the Koh Chang Marine Safety Centre. The incidents unfolded near the picturesque islands of Koh Yuak and Koh Suwan, leaving tourists in perilous situations due to challenging sea conditions. At 12.30pm, yesterday, January 5, four Czech tourists faced a harrowing experience when their kayak capsized near Koh…
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Hygiene concerns after foreigner films dishwashing in Thai canal (video)
Restaurants at the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market in the central province of Ratchaburi have come under criticism after a foreigner filmed staff washing dishes in a canal filled with murky, greyish water. Esor News reposted the video on January 3, showing the foreign woman, whose nationality was not disclosed. The page administrator wrote in the caption: “A foreigner visited a floating…
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Tourists get intimate on tuk tuk despite driver’s warnings (video)
A video involving tourists engaging in intimate behaviour on a tuk tuk has sparked widespread online criticism. Despite being cautioned by the driver to stop, the tourists continued, leading the driver to let the incident unfold. The incident was shared on social media yesterday, January 3, by a Facebook user named Somnuck Chanagune who posted a 34-second clip with the caption,…
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Travel deals galore: 30th International Travel Fair boosts tourism
The Thai International Travel Fair (TITF) is back with a bang, promising to be bigger and better than ever. From January 16 to 19, the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre in Bangkok will transform into a bustling hub of global tourism as the 30th edition of this iconic event unfolds. Organised by the Thai Travel Agents Association (TTAA), TITF#30 is…
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Thailand tourism earns 1.66 trillion baht from 35 million visitors
Thailand welcomed over 35 million travellers in 2024, with visitors contributing more than 1.6 trillion baht (US$46.8 billion) to the economy, reported the Ministry of Tourism and Sports. Tourism Minister Sorawong Thienthong announced that from January 1 to December 29, a total of 35.32 million people visited the country, spending 1.66 trillion baht (US$48.5 billion). Chinese tourists led the influx…
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Thailand allows daily airport alcohol sales to boost tourism
The Prime Minister’s Office has implemented a regulation allowing the daily sale of alcoholic beverages at major international airports. This directive, detailed in the Royal Gazette on Christmas Day, became effective yesterday, December 26. The modification aims to align legal practices with the current situation, an observer noted. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, following the counsel of the Alcoholic Beverage Control…
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Thailand’s top destinations gear up for new year surge
A jaw-dropping wave of tourists is set to descend on Thailand’s favourite hotspots this new year, with Phuket leading the charge and Chiang Mai hot on its heels. Here’s how the Land of Smiles is gearing up for the festive frenzy. Phuket is bracing for an influx of over 230,000 visitors between December 28 and January 1, projected to inject…
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Thai restaurant sales to soar 15% over new year period
Central Restaurants Group (CRG) anticipates a significant increase in sales within the Thai restaurant industry during the new year festive season, driven by a boost in dining out and a rise in foreign tourist numbers. This optimism comes as Thailand records approximately 33.5 million foreign visitors from January to mid-December. Leading the arrivals are Chinese tourists, numbering 6.4 million, followed…
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Successful coral restoration boosts tourism at Koh Larn
A team of marine specialists conducted a diving inspection at Koh Larn to ensure the safety of tourists and coral reefs in the Sea Walker area. The inspection revealed the successful restoration of staghorn coral reefs. Dr Pinsak Suraswadi, Director-General of the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR), led a group, including Ukkrit Sataphumin, director of the Marine Resources…
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Thailand expands global e-visa system for 2025 to boost tourism
Thailand is set to simplify travel for international visitors starting 1 January 2025 by expanding its e-Visa system globally. This significant development allows travellers worldwide to apply for a Thai e-visa via the official website, streamlining the process that was previously available only in select locations. Now, the electronic visa system will be operational across all 94 Royal Thai Embassies…
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Japan dethrones Thailand as top tourist spot
Japan’s rise as a favoured tourist destination over Thailand is attributed to a weaker currency and its preparedness to welcome independent travellers. In response, tourism operators in Thailand are urging the government to enhance attractions and improve service quality to achieve the target of 40 million visitors. For the first eleven months of this year, Japan received over 33.3 million…
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Thailand rolls out the red carpet for Polish tourists
Thailand has turned on the charm for Polish holidaymakers, welcoming 294 tourists on a landmark charter flight from Warsaw to Krabi. LOT Polish Airlines‘ Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner touched down at Krabi International Airport yesterday, December 19, marking a high-flying milestone in Thai-Polish tourism. This inaugural seasonal service, organised by leading tour operator ITAKA, is set to run until March 19,…
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Indian passengers turn Thai AirAsia plane into party zone (video)
A flight to Thailand turned into a scene of mid-air mayhem, sparking outrage online after a viral video showcased the unruly behaviour of Indian passengers. Shared by Ankit Kumar, a content creator aboard the Thai AirAsia flight, the footage reveals groups of Indian men standing in the aisle, chatting loudly, snacking, and blatantly ignoring air hostesses’ repeated requests to return…
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Thailand sees 87% surge in hotel bookings this December
Thailand is gaining recognition as a premier travel destination, particularly during December, as indicated by recent statistics from SiteMinder, a renowned global hotel revenue management platform. This December has witnessed an impressive 87% in hotel bookings made by international tourists, marking an increase from last year’s 84% during the same period. Deputy government spokesperson Sasikarn Wattanachun highlighted the surge in…
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Bangkok crowned Christmas travel top spot, beating Tokyo
Move over Tokyo, Bangkok is stealing the spotlight this festive season! Agoda’s latest insights reveal that Thailand’s bustling capital has clinched the title of the world’s top destination for international travellers this Christmas. With a 14% surge in accommodation searches compared to last year, Bangkok has overtaken Tokyo and is proving irresistible to holidaymakers. Bangkok also ranks as the second…
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Leopard sighting amazes tourists at Kaeng Krachan National Park
A rare sighting of a leopard calmly sitting on a road in Kaeng Krachan National Park left tourists in awe as the big cat appeared unbothered and at ease. The encounter, which occurred yesterday, December 19 at around 6.50am, was recounted by Mongkol Chaiphakdee, head of the national park located in Phetchaburi province. Kritsiphong Ngamjing, a tourist, was fortunate enough…
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Thailand goes high-tech: New E-Visa set to transform travel
Thailand is taking a leap into the digital age with the launch of its revolutionary Thai E-Visa system, simplifying life for globe-trotters everywhere. From January 1, 2025, international travellers can kiss goodbye to cumbersome paperwork and apply for their visas online with ease. This slick new development promises to make the visa process faster, safer, and more convenient, ensuring the…
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Phu Kradueng reopens gates with new safety measures
Phu Kradueng National Park in Loei province is set to welcome visitors once again next Monday, December 23 following a tragic incident involving a wild elephant attack that led to its temporary closure. The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) announced the reopening, emphasising enhanced safety measures to ensure the well-being of tourists at this popular northeastern…
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Ministry and LINE MAN offer free delivery for Thai SELECT dining
The Ministry of Commerce has joined forces with food delivery app LINE MAN to launch a special promotion for Thai SELECT restaurants, offering free delivery from December 16 until January 31, 2025. The initiative, announced by Oramon Supthaweetham, Director General of the Department of Business Development, aims to boost awareness and encourage locals and tourists to explore Thai SELECT certified…
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Chinese tourists set to keep Thailand’s travel market cruising
The outlook for the Chinese inbound market to Thailand next year is expected to remain steady, with projected arrivals hovering between seven to eight million, according to the Association of Thai Travel Agents (ATTA). This forecast arises amidst China’s persistent economic difficulties and the anticipated tariff hikes from the incoming Trump administration. ATTA President Sisdivachr Cheewarattanaporn expressed scepticism about Thailand…
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Living the Thai life: Kingdom rolls out red carpet for big spenders
Thailand is upping the ante in its tourism game, spotlighting the allure of luxury and high-spending travellers to power up the economy post-pandemic. Known for its warm hospitality, stunning landscapes, and world-class attractions, the nation is seeing a surge in plush hotels and branded properties to cater to this elite crowd. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) set its sights…
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